West Pender Rail Trail Alliance Moving Forward and Will Submit Non-Profit Application Soon

As reported in July, the Alliance is now incorporated as a non-profit. Funds raised at the June 19th Blueberry Festival were used for the incorporation fees, and professional services related to applying to the IRS for designation as a Section 501 (c)(3) corporation. Their application will be submitted later in September. The Alliance has applied for a few grants and has feedback that they may receive a National Park Service planning grant. This would provide the Alliance with a NPS Trail Planner for 1 year. The West Pender rail-trail project was one of seven park projects that made it into the Pender County Parks and Rec five-year comprehensive plan and is supported by resolution in several other local and regional plans. Pender County has dedicated about one mile of trail land in their new Industrial Park and the plan includes a trailhead with facilities. This will be the Alliance's first mile and they are focusing on developing it as a visible first step over the next year. Over the next year they plan to work with the National Parks planner to develop a land acquisition strategy. Earlier this month, the co-founder of the Alliance, Dave Staebler, was presented with a golden Spike award by NCRT for his long service in land research, presentations and a host of tasks related to promoting rail-trail development in Pender County. Dave is moving from NC and AL Capehart presented the award to Dave on September 2. For additional background on rail-trail plans and documentation for this project, please see the 2007-09 report on the Atlantic-Seaboard Coast Line corridor compiled by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and the recently completed Concept Plan. For information on future activities of the Alliance please contact Susan Bullers.